St Edward’s Catholic Parish of Hillvue is today marking the beginning of works on a new memorial belltower funded under the former Liberal and Nationals Coalition Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program.
The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP joined Reverend Deacon Paul Manvell to turn the sod on the project which received $70,000 from the program.
Once completed, the bell will be rung twice a day at midday and at 6:00 pm, reminding people of the sacrifice made by so many in the defence of our Australian values.
As St Edward’s prepared to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Church learned that many of the founding parishioners would have liked the Church to be dedicated as a war memorial Church, as many of their sons, brothers or fathers were deployed in Vietnam or returned from Korea.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the tower will be an iconic addition to the Church and local community.
“Returned servicemen and women, and those who never made it home deserve to be remembered for their sacrifices every day and thanks to this new memorial tower, they will be.”
“I would like to congratulate the St Edward’s Parish, the Tamworth Legacy Club and all who have been involved for making this idea a reality,” Mr Joyce said.
Reverend Deacon Paul Manvell said after contacting the RSL Sub-Branch and Legacy the Church was greatly encouraged to proceed with a war memorial in the Parish.
“There being no War Memorial in South Tamworth we believed this was a great opportunity for the community and the sentiment was reinforced when we received letters back of great support following our canvassing of the neighbourhood as to their thoughts on the War Memorial.”
“One letter received was from a Vietnam veteran who wrote to us thanking us for the initiative, going on to say he and his wife are looking forward to having the bells ring out each day thanking his mates for their supreme sacrifice at midday and at the going down of the sun,” Rev Deacon Manvell said.
It’s hoped the memorial tower will be opened on ANZAC Day next year.